Democrat Mark Critz Triumphs in Tough Pennsylvania Special Election

Democrat Elected to Congress from District Carried By John McCain in 2008

In the only race on Tuesday, May 18, where a Democrat faced off against a Republican, Congressman-elect Mark Critz won in a district carried by Republican Presidential contender John McCain in 2008. The seat, vacated by the untimely death of Congressmember John Murtha, was an extraordinary victory for Democrats.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Chris Van Hollen stated, "For all their bluster about building a national wave this year, including RNC Chairman Michael Steele's guarantee of victory for Tim Burns, Republican policies were once again rejected when it came time to face the voters." Focusing on jobs was what propelled Critz to victory, Van Hollen asserted, stating, "With Mark Critz's commitment to creating jobs, ending tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs, and standing up for seniors and middle class Pennsylvanians, Congressman-elect Mark Critz will be a great asset to our Democratic Caucus and a worthy successor to the late Congressman Jack Murtha."

Critz's 53% to 45% victory was considered large in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District given the conservative bent of the district's voters. In covering the story today, Politico.com reports, in an article entitled "The GOP's Special Failure," that the size of Democratic victory caused Democrats to give a sigh of relief and to conclude that predictions of a Republican rout in November 2019 are just a "mirage."